George Washington's Secret Six
The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution
By: Brian Kilmeade & Don Yeager
It is in this spirit that over the past few years, I've been adding books on history and international development to complement my other "go to" genres.
Most recently I read, George Washington's Secret Six - The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution. These spies, unknown to many of us today and little taught in our history books had a profound impact on the war. It's an good, easy read that is well worth the time and one that helps remind us of some of the key details of the war while bringing to light many aspects that I had never heard before.
What stood out to me most though, was not facts or details of the revolutionary war. Rather, I was struck by the heroism and bravery of ordinary people. The majority of the "Culper Ring" as it was called were not soldiers, they were not enlisted in the army. They were ordinary people who had their lives interrupted by war. They chose, at great personal risk and sacrifice, to yield their lives and desires to a greater cause. They spied on and moved information through the heart of the British army. They suffered loss of friends and reputation, health, financially, and even death, for a cause they deeply believe in.
From a leadership perspective a couple of key things are worth taking note of.
- First, do we know our "why"? Do we have a deep belief in the reason we are leading in the goal we are leaning towards. It it does not have to be as grand or noble as the birth of a new country but it should have intrinsic meaning to us.
- Second, are we willing to sacrifice in order to lead well. Not sacrifice in the sense of our family or principles. Rather, sacrifice in the sense of giving of our time, ourselves, our energy and our heart to those around us. Are we willing to give our best even on the days when we would rather be anywhere else. Not because We get something out of it but because our people and our cars deserve and demand it.
- Finally, are we willing to do all of this even if we are not recognized or rewarded for it, simply because we believe it to be right and true. [Note: it took more than a hundred years to figure out the identify of one member of the ring and "agent 355" has still never been identified, though she lost her life to the cause]
The question that challenges me is, am I really willing to press in, to lead well, to give so much of myself for my team, my organization, that just maybe, great good can result…even if history forgets me and my name vanishes with the passing of time. Are you?
